Beliefs

I have always said that teaching chose me, not the other way around. Although my mother was a teacher with some of the most economically challenged in Detroit Public Schools for thirty years, I never had any intention of following her path. However, after graduating from college and engaging in a multitude of jobs for nearly ten years, I found myself working at a small child-care center in Greenwich Village, New York. The light turned on, just like it does for my students when they get it. I discovered my aptitude for working with young people and I have never looked back.

As I explored my educational interests, skills, and talents I discovered that I felt happiest and most fulfilled working with adolescents, "The belly of the beast," as I like to call it. This year marks my fourteenth as a teacher of middle school students. Over the course of my career as an educator Ive had the opportunity to teach and learn from thousands of young people. I have taught a wide variety of subjects, facts, writing techniques, reading strategies, learning modalities, and technology. Through it all I've formulated my basic beliefs about teaching, which revolve around self discovery, awareness, empathy, compassion, and motivation.

This belief about teaching originates from the Buddhist philosophy that is part of their Eightfold Path to Enlightenment, which states, "Work for the good of others." While I am not a practicing Buddhist I strongly believe in this ideal. My path led me to teaching, where I could live this motto and share it with my students. Everyday I come to the classroom prepared to help my students learn compassion and empathy for their peers, families, community, and world. I am clear on this mission. This is at the core of me as a teacher. Learning facts is not at the forefront and is not promoted to my students as well. The American School of Warsaw Vision states:

The American School of Warsaw sees the future reflected in our students independent thinking, humane values and ethical actions in the realization of their dreams. We envision our students as active and responsible world citizens who are principled, compassionate and innovative life-long learners and leaders.

I believe in this now and have subscribed to this belief long before I came to Warsaw. None of my teaching is worth much if I do not help to guide students toward this vision. They must be motivated to use their knowledge and skills to change their world for the better.

If I am successful then my students will cooperate and collaborate, innovate and integrate, elaborate and evaluate, validate and substantiate. I impress upon them that in their world today, with the technological tools at their disposal, You get answers to questions you ask.? I coach students in finding answers along with discovering creative and intelligent methods for sharing what they know and telling about who they are. Together we develop proficiency with the tools that help us question, inquire, research, and report.

In my profession I am a facilitator and motivator. I guide my students toward becoming deep thinkers and understanding that every day is a chance to learn something new, improve the self, work toward a better future for the planet. We are partners in this journey. I encourage them to set high standards for themselves and help them chart a course for meeting or exceeding their personal goals.

I am certain this is my lifes work. While it may be clich that teaching is The most noble profession I believe this to be true for me. This path was chosen for me, and I took it. Every year I help a new group of young people find their path and take their own steps toward finding who they are, the talents they possess, and using their powers for the good of others.